Oregon Expansion Update
President’s Office
August 26, 2025
Dear WesternU Family,
We are pleased to share a historic milestone in the growth of our University: WesternU has officially received the deed to approximately 150 acres of land in Lebanon, Oregon. This generous philanthropic gift marks a transformative step forward in our long-term vision for the Oregon campus and our commitment to advancing health care education across the Pacific Northwest.
This land transfer lays the foundation for a new, sustainable campus designed with community partnership and environmental stewardship at its core. A conceptual master plan has already been approved, featuring Oregon timber construction, net-zero energy goals, and restoration of the site’s natural habitat. Nestled within this landscape will be thoughtfully designed amenity, interprofessional, college, and service precincts, created with humanism at their core. These spaces will bring people together in purposeful ways, promoting interprofessional collaboration and propelling the future of medical education and compassionate patient care through purpose-driven innovation.
With this expansion, we aim to build on our legacy by launching new programs, including a graduate program in behavioral health, and by expanding access to care and education in medically underserved communities.
As we lay the groundwork for this next chapter, strong leadership will be essential to realizing our vision. We are therefore pleased to welcome Dr. Heather Phipps as the new Site Dean of COMP-Northwest, which is in the process of transitioning to its new name, the Heatherington College of Osteopathic Medicine. Dr. Phipps brings a wealth of experience in medical education and clinical leadership, and she will play a vital role in guiding the future of osteopathic medicine in Oregon. Her appointment ensures that COMP-Northwest continues to thrive under strong, visionary leadership as we expand our programs and deepen our regional impact.
Throughout her career, Dr. Phipps has taken on numerous leadership roles, most recently serving as Assistant Dean of Clinical Education, Strategic Partnerships, and Faculty Development; Chief of the Division of Surgery; and Associate Professor of Orthopedic Surgery at Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences. Dr. Phipps is a dedicated leader in medical education and orthopedic surgery. She was selected following a nationwide search.
We look forward to working together as we take this exciting next step in WesternU’s mission to educate health professionals and transform health care for the better.
Please see the attached FAQs for any questions you might have. We look forward to sharing additional information as we continue on this exciting journey.
Warmest Regards,
Robin